Anaheim's Wagner returns with established role

The last time the Walpole native played against his hometown Boston Bruins, it was his fourth game in the NHL. This time around, the Anaheim Ducks forward is a bit more established.

“It’s really cool,” he said Tuesday night after his team ended the Bruins’ 18-game point streak with a 3-1 win. “I had a ton of friends and family in the stands. A lot of Walpole people. It’s a nice experience to see all those people in the stands. I look up, and every time I see someone in the stands, which is pretty cool.”

Wagner grew up in Walpole where he starred in baseball and hockey, before going on to play high school puck at Xaverian and then juniors with the nearby South Shore Kings.

The power forward rocketed through college at Colgate and the minors to earn a spot with the Ducks, making his debut during the 2014-15 season, which included a trip to Boston shortly after his call-up from the Norfolk Admirals.

Tuesday night, Wagner logged 11:55 of ice time, registering four shots on goal and a team-high six hits.

“It was like my fourth game ever last time,” he said. “With more games under my belt, I could just play the game this time.”

It’s the second time Wagner has been close to home, just 18 miles north of his hometown in an NHL contest. Other than a shot stint in Colorado, Wagner has skated with the Ducks for the entirety of his young career.

“Experience up and down in the AHL, and keeping my confidence up,” said Wagner. “I’ve been more consistent from playing so many games. At first it’s hard to find the speed and the pace, but once you found it, that’s a good feeling.”

The 2010 fifth round pick has certainly found his role in Southern California. He has 15 points this season and is a constant in the lineup as one of the Ducks top checking forwards.

Those 15 points are already a career-high after seven last season, when he tallied six times with a single assist. With six goals and nine assists this season, he’s improved as a scorer, but also as a facilitator.

“I’m more comfortable with the puck,” he said. “Before I just kind of ran around and hit guys. The first couple of games were like that. But playing more with more responsibilities, it’s been an adventure, but I’m glad I’m here.”

Three of his points have come on the power play after the Ducks put him on the man-up unit. He’s proven to be a contributing player on 5on-5 and special teams, continuing to earn more ice time.

Being close to home has more perks for Wagner. His brother, Paul, is a senior with the Babson hockey team.

“I watched him play on Friday,” he said. “I only get to come up here a few days for the All Star break.”

While more than 3,000 miles away for his professional career, Wagner hasn’t had many chances to come back to his hometown. Often, the closest Wagner gets is these rare games against the Bruins.

But, just because he’s far away, it doesn’t mean Wagner has forgotten his hockey roots in Walpole.

“A lot of pond hockey down the street from where I lived, at a couple of other guys houses,” he said. “It was a great time. I always go back when I can.”